The San Tan Charter Roadrunners (1-0) opened the season in a dazzling way Wednesday night with an 88-37 win over Glendale Prep at San Tan Charter High School in Gilbert, AZ. Following a pre-game ceremony that honored the Roadrunner's 2024 AIA 2A State Championship, the team jumped out of the gate early with a 12-0 run as their full-court press sped the Griffins up, forcing multiple turnovers and quick shots that triggered the Roadrunners' uptempo offense with several transition opportunities. A balanced scoring attack was the theme of the night for a team that had four players finish in double digits, led by junior Kristo Jackson, who scored seven of his game-high 16 in the first quarter. Five other Roadrunners also scored in the first quarter, including sophomore Peyton Lubash (5), sophomore Jase Benjamin (5), junior Jaelon Germany (4), senior Kylen Bonner (2), and junior Jachin Reynolds (2).
The Roadrunner onslaught continued in the second quarter, building on their 25-4 first-quarter lead, again dominating in the paint on offense, scoring 18 of their 19 points in the quarter on layups, led by Bonner with six points in the quarter. The balanced scoring was on display again as sophomore Tori Street added four points, followed by Lubash, Germany, Reynolds, and freshman Kaii Voogd all adding two points, and Benjamin adding a free throw. Voogd's layup in the final minute extended the Roadrunner lead to 44-11 at half as the Roadrunner defense held the Griffins to just seven points in the quarter on 3/12 shooting and eight forced turnovers.
Starting the second half the Roadrunners showcased their highlight-reel potential with a sequence that ignited the Roadrunner faithful in attendance. A steal by Benjamin to start the half led to a behind-the-back pass from Lubash to Jackson in the corner for a 3-pointer. On the ensuing Griffin possession, Germany jumped a pass at the top of the key and his steal led to a breakaway dunk as the 6-2, 3-star guard gave the Roadrunner crowd a glimpse of his abilities in his debut performance. Just moments later it was Bonner forcing a turnover on a great defensive play, sending Lubash on a fast break down the left side. As Benjamin sprinted the floor Lubash threw a one-hand lob to the basket as Benjamin flew high and finished the play with a two-hand dunk that sent the gym into a frenzy.
Following Jackson's 16 points to lead all scorers, Lubash, Germany, and Benjamin — who led all players with six rebounds — also finished in double digits scoring with 13 points each. Bonner finished the game with eight points, Reynolds scored 7 in his Roadrunner debut, Street also added six, and all three freshman scored in their first high school games with Bryce Whiting scoring six, Davis Mason four, and Voogd rounded out the scoring with two points.